Boards of National, State and International Schools in India

The influx of international schools in India brings in new trends and mindset of what the complete education inculcates. This increases the level of, already high, competition in the country to the next extent. The Indian government follows the policy of providing free education to all children between the ages of 6 to 14.

There are no two ways about the fact that every parent wishes to provide the best possible education to their child. Some are able to put their children into elite private schools where academics go hand in hand with co-curricular activities. This leads to an all-round development of the student. However, this kind of education is not affordable for every child. Not every parent has the means to enroll their child in top international schools in Gurgaon.

Role of Education Board

This is where other boards come into play. There are many public schools that offer national boards like CBSE and ICSE but are also affordable. Moreover, the availability of national board across India is much higher than that of the international board. State board also poses a problem, for those with the transferable job, as they are specific to cities.

The common thread followed by all the public schools is to provide education with the emphasis on academics mostly. This leads to focus being placed on subject-oriented examination building good educators. When a school foregoes on the complete personality education of the student they are selling the future of the country short.

Another factor which is specific to National and State board is NCERT. The organization – The National Council of Educational Research and Training, is the most reliable source of textbook support followed by CBSE, ICSE and many state boards. Top international schools in Gurgaon, on the other hand, follow their specific board books.

The three broad categories of boards followed are:

• State Board
• National Board
• International Board

Each board consists of a further classification having its own pros and cons.

State Board followed in Local Schools

This board works under and follows the policies set by State for the school education. The first state board to enter into the education system was in 1922 – UP boards of High Schools and Intermediate Education. In the current scenario, almost all the states in the country have their own specific board. They have an affiliation with most of the local and public schools.

Advantages with State Board:

1. Affordable and preferred by parents staying in one state.
2. Textbook along with educated staff is readily available
3. Easy to follow the curriculum. No extra pressure on Students.
4. Children get more leisure time to follow their interests.
5. Seat reservation within colleges affiliated with the State.

The board, however, is vastly different from those followed in best international schools in India. It does have its own share of problems.

Disadvantages of State Board:

• Quality of education is not at par in all schools.
• Textbooks might not be at the par of national education.
• Some basic facilities in these schools are also not there.

National Board followed in Public and International Schools in Gurgaon

National board has the quality of being included within both public (government run) and private (including international) schools. Their quality of education and testing abilities is far superior to that of the state board. Moreover, they are bound to follow the policies set for National education. The two classifications of National board are:

CBSE

Central Board of Secondary Education is the most prevalent form of the education board. This education board was set-up in 1962 under the bearing of Government of India. Affiliation with school includes both private and public sector, with inclusion in top international schools being most recent. Another feather in the belt is that all the universities and colleges of India along with some foreign ones recognize this board of education.

CISCE

Council of Indian School Certificate Examinations education board conducts exams for secondary and senior secondary classes (10^th and 12^th). The two forms of exams are labeled as ICSE for 10^th class and HSE 12^th Its journey starts before CBSE (in 1958) with a motto to provide the top level of education to the children. With around 1900 schools under its umbrella, this board is primarily followed across all regions in India

Advantages with National Board:

1. Centralized system allowing easy transfer between schools
2. The curriculum consists of a wide range of subjects helping to grow the student’s personality.
3. Quality of education and textbook content is on the higher side.
4. Good quality staff including school teachers and tutors.
5. Complete Recognition across all colleges in India.

The national board is one of the most opted choices of Indian parents for education. However, even this system has certain flaws.

Disadvantages of National Board:

• As compared to the State board, the curriculum is heavier.
• Fees of some schools are also high.
• Seat reservation in colleges across the country in State board is greater.

International Board followed in Top 10 international schools in India

International board is the most recent entry into the race of education board in India. The quality of education and curriculum followed here is of international level. This board has become a hot favorite among many parents in recent times. Many parents do not mind leaving their child in International boarding schools in Gurgaon as long as they get top quality of education. This board is classified into two groups:

IB

International Baccalaureate in India holds the examination in not only academics but also test other areas of personality through co-curricular activities. This board is prevalent in other countries since 1968. The curriculum here is in three steps –

• PYP (Primary Years Program) for students from 3 to 11 years.
• MYP (Middle Years Program) for students from 11 to 16 years.
• DP (Diploma Program) for students from 16 to 18 years.

CIE

Cambridge International Examinations caters for international level of education since 1958 as a department in University of Cambridge. They cater to schools all across the globe wherein the examination is in tandem with the assessment level of Cambridge. With about 310 Cambridge schools under its belt in India, it casts about 44000 exams in the year.

Advantages with International Board:

1. The top quality of education with recognition from international colleges and universities.
2. The best option for NRI family relocating India or moving out of the country.
3. A Vast variety of subjects to choose from
4. Aims at personality growth along with academics of the child.
5. Best class of infrastructure with numerous facilities

This board is garnering favor amongst the new age parents; however, they should look out for these flaws.

Disadvantages of International Board:

• The fees of these international school in Gurgaon is quite exorbitant
• The child will not have an easy time if they change the board.
• Mainly available in metro cities in India.

With complete knowledge of the education boards existing in India, although not completely easy, choosing a board has definitely become simpler. It is imperative to be very sure of the board you choose as it will pave the way for your child’s future. If you are looking for an easy and affordable option then the state board is good. However, those with transferable jobs should go for the National Board. International Board is the cream board and is one of the best options for an NRI return or an Expat.